Carob growers are determined to skip this year’s harvest if they do not secure a minimum price of 65 cents per kilo, their association said on Monday.

The association expressed grave concern over the future of carob growing in Cyprus and called on growers to stand united against the difficulties faced by the sector and support the joint effort to secure the minimum price.

The costs for growing, harvesting and transporting carobs have been climbing over the last years, while low rainfall has led to a smaller yield.

The growers stressed that the current conditions, the low marketing price and the cost of harvesting make the sector economically unsustainable.

According to the association, 65 cents per kilo of carobs was the lowest price they could accept to harvest and continue production.

The aim of the growers was not to shut up shop, but to continue growing carobs and keep the tradition of Cyprus’ ‘black gold’ alive.

The association called on the agriculture ministry, traders and carob presses to help find a just and viable solution.